Week three of the 2025 NWSL season brought continued winning streaks for some teams, making it challenging to select the best individual performances for our weekly top eleven. Each week of the regular season, Attacking Third analysts choose a Team of the Week, recognizing 11 outstanding players from the weekend`s matches and a leading coach. Analysts consider numerous performances to select the best, even acknowledging strong displays from players on losing teams.
While the season is long and extends into October, week three has already shown a few teams pulling ahead. It`s worth keeping an eye on which club dominated our Team of the Week.
Forwards
Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current): Cooper demonstrated complete player skills in week three, scoring a goal and providing an assist against Utah. She also topped her team in successful dribbles (three). Her total shots, shots on target, and created chances rank among the team`s top five after their third straight victory. Cooper truly is a standout player.
Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current): With three goals in three games, Chawinga is consistently outperforming defenders. The reigning NWSL Golden Boot winner is a constant threat, capable of shooting, scoring, and pressing effectively. At her current level, she`s likely to be a regular feature in our Team of the Week.
Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit): Hatch delivered a game-winning performance against Bay FC, scoring two goals that secured the victory. This strong showing comes just before her call-up to national team camps, highlighting her excellent timing.
Midfielders
Debinha (Kansas City Current): Debinha earns her third consecutive Team of the Week selection. The Brazilian international continues to deliver consistent attacking performances, scoring her second goal of the season in week three. Despite being left off Brazil`s April roster, she leads the league in chances created (14), suggesting she plays with a point to prove.
Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride): Known for her hard work and ball-winning abilities, McCutcheon can now add goal scorer to her list of accomplishments. Her dedication to winning the ball back is impressive, and she scored her second goal of the season while leading her team in recoveries (seven) during the Pride`s third consecutive win.
Kenza Dali (San Diego Wave): The French international has seamlessly adapted to the NWSL. Her impact for the Wave has been immediate, evident in her active pressing and link-up play in the final third. Despite a loss to Orlando, Dali contributed again with an assist to Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
Attacking Third analyst Darian Jenkins commented on Dali`s midfield dominance, praising her penetrative passes and connection with McCaskill, noting her prime form reminiscent of her performances for France.
Defenders
M.A. Vignola (Angel City FC): Vignola was energetic and impactful for Angel City in week three. The outside back covered significant ground and was a constant threat going forward. She led her team in successful dribbles (three) and was strong in her challenges.
Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit): McKeown played a crucial role in the Spirit`s clean sheet against Bay FC. Working well with center-back partners Rebeca Bernal and Esme Morgan, she displayed key awareness during transitions.
Alana Cook (Kansas City Current): Cook brought defensive strength to the Current`s third consecutive victory. She led the team in tackles (four) and provided important organization to the defense.
Lily Reale (Gotham FC): The rookie defender showed great resilience after a challenging first professional start. Despite an own goal in week two, she was a major asset for Gotham in week three, contributing to momentum shifts. Reale was second on the team in completed crosses (four).
Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold (Portland Thorns FC): The Australian international goalkeeper was outstanding against North Carolina Courage, facing 28 crosses during the match. She made five saves, including a crucial penalty save against Jaedyn Shaw.
Coach
Vlatko Andonovski (Kansas City Current): The experienced NWSL coach has his Kansas City Current team looking confident and dangerous in attack, while also solid and organized defensively. The team is off to an even stronger start than last season.
